Student Computing Fee Allocation Process
The SCF Allocation Process begins during the spring semester with input on priorities by various groups to the Office of the Provost. Providing input to the Office of the Provost are 1) Information Technology Advisory Committee (ITAC), 2) Information Technology Services (ITS), 3) Student Technology Advisory Committee (STAC), and 4) Facilities Planning and Utilization/Classroom Committee. ITAC is a University charter committee whose members are appointed by the Faculty Senate and the Staff Council. STAC members are appointed by University of Iowa Student Government. (See information on ITAC and STAC.)
These priorities, along with the projections for student computing fee revenues, are used to create an allocation recommendation by ITS to the Office of the Provost. This proposal details how the funds are expected be collected by the various colleges. Funds to support technology for general classrooms, Instructional Technology Centers, campus infrastructure, and innovative proposals are taken out of the total expected collections. The remainder is distributed to the colleges proportionally by the student FTE per college. (See ) The Colleges of Business, Engineering, and Law have fees higher than the general fee. (See the SCF schedule of fees) As soon as the proposal is approved or refined by the Provost's Office, the colleges and service departments are notified of their allocations for the budget year.
In early fall, the colleges hold meetings to decide how to allocate their funds. Most colleges use an Information Technology (IT) Committee, which has student representation, to make allocation decisions for the SCF funds. Some colleges use a proposal process to allocate funds, where project proposals are solicited from faculty and staff. ITS assists the colleges where needed. The funds are allocated and the majority spent during the next six to nine months. All the funds must be spent to benefit students.
In the spring, the colleges or departments that received student computing fee funds must report on the process they used to allocate funds and how the funds were spent. ITS collects these reports and forwards them to University administration, the colleges and ITAC. This information is also used in the decision process for the allocation of funds for the next year. (See reports for prior fiscal years.)